The Sam And Derik Show

We're back with three fun topics on Alaska politics, including a surprise (spoilers for that in the article sources below). Our audio got a little messed up in our opening segment, but it gets better.We cover the ongoing flood prevention issue from the melting Mendenhall Glacier. The Army Corps of Engineers is spending $4.45 million not on a feasibility study, but on a technical report to inform a later feasibility study all to prevent flooding Derik's house. We also discuss the Governor's proposed changes to how Alaska judges are selected, and we compare that to other selection processes. But first, a surprise segment as one of us reacts live on air to a proposal put before the Alaska House of Representatives.Resources used in this episode:Money for a Study to Study Flooding:https://www.ktoo.org/2025/03/19/army-corps-secures-funding-to-find-a-long-term-flood-solution-in-mendenhall-valley/https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/utils/getfile/collection/p16021coll6/id/2544Proposed Change in Appointing Judges:https://alaskabeacon.com/2025/03/03/alaska-governor-proposes-new-method-for-picking-state-judges/?emci=c65be3e3-b5f8-ef11-90cb-0022482a9447&emdi=6a7f245c-09f9-ef11-90cd-0022482a9fb7&ceid=148052https://alaskapublic.org/news/2024-05-29/judicial-council-recommends-alaskans-keep-all-judges-including-jurist-behind-correspondence-rulinghttps://www.adn.com/alaska-news/2018/11/06/anchorage-judge-targeted-for-role-in-controversial-plea-agreement-trailing/https://www.ajc.state.ak.us/retention/retent06/landry06.pdfhttps://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-debate-musk-trump-30b8b9cacb02c8bc9c7c9a26e7fe376cSurprise Topic (spoilers):https://www.juneauempire.com/news/turning-governors-house-into-a-short-term-rental-proposed-by-alaska-lawmaker/

The news from Alaska is starting to make us sound like Florida. We give our takes on some local issues, such as some exotic pets, a crocodile and an alligator, being tossed out in the snow up in the Mat-Su, someone in Juneau taking a dump truck for a joyride, and the governor using AI to make pictures of Alaska rather than, well, a picture of Alaska. Then we discuss the governor's proposal to ban one party consent to record a conversation. We do our best to explain why Anchorage prosecutors keep delaying charges in criminal trials. Finally, we catch up with each other about our personal lives and discuss some Facebook drama that happened recently.Sources used in this episode:Governor uses AI:https://alaskabeacon.com/2024/12/19/loch-ness-ducks-or-vampire-grebes-alaska-governor-report-for-trump-comes-with-ai-hallucinations/?emci=dc95e865-84be-ef11-88ce-0022482a93af&emdi=adb93712-e3be-ef11-88ce-0022482a93af&ceid=148052Crocodile Lost in the Snow:https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2024/12/06/pet-croc-dead-after-being-tossed-into-snow-2-brothers-behind-bars/Dump Truck Joyride:https://www.juneauempire.com/news/stolen-dump-truck-hits-power-lines-knocks-out-electricity-on-industrial-boulevard-driver-arrested-for-dui/Proposed End to One Party Recording:https://alaskabeacon.com/briefs/gov-dunleavy-proposes-new-limits-on-alaskans-ability-to-record-conversations/?emci=85af6fc5-3fe4-ef11-90cb-0022482a94f4&emdi=8a61780c-9be4-ef11-90cb-0022482a94f4&ceid=148052Issues with Anchorage Prosocuters:https://www.propublica.org/article/anchorage-alaska-pretrial-delays-sexual-assault?utm_content=buffer8c050&utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky&utm_campaign=propublica-bskyandhttps://www.adn.com/opinions/2025/01/18/opinion-alaskas-criminal-legal-system-is-drowning-but-theres-another-side-to-the-story-on-trial-delays/Facebook drama:https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10235441734733345&set=a.10201958746439564andhttps://akasks.blogspot.com/2025/01/on-maga-thought-terminating-cliches.html

We're back and this time, we're in the news! We've got a quick update on the PFAS firefighting foam issue and then we give you the inside scoop about the glacial flooding that swept through Juneau. Your intrepid co-hosts even made the local paper over it. Next, we discuss the announced plans for new cruise ship docks in Juneau. Our next story takes us to Anchorage, where hundreds of criminal cases have been thrown out due to a lack of prosecutors. We catch up on each other's lives, one of us had a kid and one of us backpacked around Europe for two months. After that, we discuss the latest antics of pastor Mark Driscoll and his illegal street signage. Finally, we discuss AI's effect on Alaska, our governor's obsession with it, its use in writing state policy, the possibility of AI data centers, the proposals for powering them, and the recent announcement of a Bitcoin mining facility on the North Slope. There's a lot of wild things happening in Alaska. Give us a listen to catch up on life in the last frontier. Sources Used in this Episode: PFAS Bill: https://alaskabeacon.com/2024/07/26/__trashed-2/?emci=c26923ed-e74a-ef11-86c3-6045bdd9e096&emdi=be607f5f-574b-ef11-86c3-6045bdd9e096&ceid=148052 Juneau Flooding: https://alaskabeacon.com/2024/08/06/juneau-flood-inundates-at-least-100-homes-triggers-state-and-federal-response/ https://www.ktoo.org/2024/11/19/juneaus-proposed-flood-fighting-plan-would-cost-flood-zone-homeowners-8000-each-some-say-they-dont-want-it/ https://www.juneauempire.com/news/residents-spend-their-hours-before-peak-of-flood-preparing-for-worst-case-scenario-in-various-ways/ https://www.juneauempire.com/news/hundreds-of-property-owners-in-flood-zone-may-have-to-pay-7972-apiece-for-hesco-barrier-levee/ New Cruise Ship Dock: https://www.ktoo.org/2024/10/16/goldbelt-royal-caribbean-announce-new-cruise-ship-port-plans-on-douglas-island/ https://www.ktoo.org/2022/12/06/juneau-residents-get-a-closer-look-at-the-proposal-for-aakw-landing/ Anchorage Dismisses Criminal Cases: https://www.propublica.org/article/criminal-case-dismissals-anchorage-alaska Pastor Refuses Sign from Higher Authority: https://www.christianpost.com/news/mark-driscoll-refuses-city-order-to-take-down-jesus-christ-sign.html AI In Alaska: https://alaskabeacon.com/2024/10/28/alaska-education-department-published-false-ai-generated-academic-citations-in-cell-policy-document/?emci=fe166e85-5a93-ef11-88ce-000d3a98fa6b&emdi=03cadaeb-3495-ef11-88ce-000d3a98fa6b&ceid=148052 https://alaskabeacon.com/2024/10/18/data-centers-face-growing-opposition-outside-gov-mike-dunleavy-wants-them-in-alaska/?emci=98493323-e08d-ef11-8474-000d3a98fa6b&emdi=0d129a6e-228e-ef11-8474-000d3a98fa6b&ceid=148052 https://sherwood.news/snacks/tech/tech-titans-invest-in-nuclear-energy-to-fuel-power-hungry-ai-servers/?utm_source=snacks&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=snacks_20241021&utm_content=f5b0cbc38ab6ce19328a0d2bc87c5389 https://alaskabeacon.com/2024/11/04/data-centers-which-require-massive-amounts-of-energy-and-few-jobs-have-downsides-for-alaska/?emci=cbaf4371-2a9b-ef11-88ce-000d3a98fa6b&emdi=609feaa5-869b-ef11-88ce-000d3a98fa6b&ceid=148052 https://alaskabeacon.com/2024/11/20/arctic-bitcoin-hilcorp-tech-firm-aim-to-test-north-slope-data-center/?emci=fb0b3c0f-1aa7-ef11-88d0-6045bdd62db6&emdi=8dd04b20-50a7-ef11-88d0-6045bdd62db6&ceid=148052

We're on a break, but that doesn't mean we can't get you one more surprise episode while you wait for our triumphant return. We cover a devious plot by Alaskans to smuggle snow machines to Russia, China editing the Holy Bible to their liking, the funeral industry faces scrutiny for their lack of regulation, and the Supreme Court narrows the ability to prosecute corruption. Sources used in this episode: Snow Machine Smuggling: https://alaskabeacon.com/briefs/feds-accuse-two-men-of-smuggling-snowmachines-to-russia-via-alaska-tour-company/ China Editing the Bible: https://www.christianpost.com/news/china-trying-to-rewrite-the-bible-force-churches-sing-communist-anthems.html https://www.frc.org/op-eds/china-to-christians-were-rewriting-the-bible-and-youll-use-it-or-else Funeral Home Regulations: https://alaskabeacon.com/2024/07/06/mishandled-bodies-mixed-up-remains-prompt-tougher-funeral-home-regulations/ Supreme Court Corruption: https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2024-06-26/supreme-court-anti-corruption-law

We discuss a list of new state laws taking effect across the country: California requires drink test kits. Kansas abortion providers must ask why. Iowa restricts hemp consumables. Georgia increases swatting penalties. Florida allows killing bears. California dumps junk fees. Tennessee protects musicians from AI. Sources used in this episode: https://www.npr.org/2024/07/01/nx-s1-5025098/laws-july-california-florida-abortion-bears

We catch up on our lives and discuss our travels both past and planned, as well as other things happening in our lives. We touch on everything from nationalism to ordering a pair of headphones.

We're back with another enticing episode of the Sam and Derik Show. We start with an update on the 1882 shelling of the village of Angoon, Alaska. Next, we cover a rare win for environmentalists given by... Ron DeSantis? Then it's a discussion on whether "Influencers" should be treated like media which somehow strays into AI bullet vending machines. What a ride. Sources used in this episode: US Navy apology for the bombardment of Angoon: https://www.juneauempire.com/news/long-awaited-u-s-navy-apology-for-1882-bombardment-will-bring-healing-to-angoon/ Florida Ban on Balloon Releases and Satirical Image: https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/desantis-bible-day-gender-hospitals/ https://apnews.com/article/balloon-ban-environment-florida-sea-turtle-10c6e21aaf3baa9c340052d3f3b34dbd DNC Treating Influencers Like Press: https://gizmodo.com/democratic-national-convention-influencer-credentials-1851555271 AI Bullet Vending Machines: https://gizmodo.com/oklahoma-alabama-now-have-ai-powered-vending-machines-that-sell-bullets-2000377093

In part 3 of this episode, we do a deep dive into the history and politics surrounding the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. This episode was recorded across two days, April 21st and 24th, 2024, so any events beyond those dates in the evolving conflict are not factored into the discussion. This episode is intended to provide context about the conflict for anyone unfamiliar with its history, but it is by no means exhaustive of everything about the issue. We discuss wars fought between Israel and Arabs, Israeli policy in dealing with the West Bank and Gaza, the October 7th attack, the Israeli invasion of Gaza, as well as other important factions, people, events, and math textbooks that all play into the conflict. Sources used in this episode: Articles, maps, and resources: https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/palestinian-rocket-and-mortar-attacks-against-israel https://www.anera.org/what-are-area-a-area-b-and-area-c-in-the-west-bank/ https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-gaza-world-central-kitchen-strike-jose-andres-direct-attack-aid-workers/ https://allisrael.com/european-parliament-demands-palestinian-authority-removes-antisemitism-from-curriculum https://www.reddit.com/r/worldnews/comments/1c65vyx/european_parliament_demands_palestinian_authority/ https://www.impact-se.org/wp-content/uploads/PA-Reports_-Selected-Examples_Update_Sept-2020.pdf https://www.ktoo.org/2024/03/06/juneau-assembly-unlikely-to-move-forward-with-gaza-ceasefire-resolution/ https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/19/politics/us-west-bank-sanctions/index.html https://twitter.com/TVietor08/status/1781464539546210774 https://apnews.com/article/schumer-netanyahu-israel-palestinians-elections-1ebf21e4c9c0f6f42478bb26e1db7a9b Wikipedia articles used as sources for topics discussed: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Gaza https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_Jerusalem https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Lausanne https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balfour_Declaration https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palestinian_rocket_attacks_on_Israel https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1948_Arab%E2%80%93Israeli_War https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yom_Kippur_War https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_September https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israeli_outpost https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israeli_occupation_of_the_West_Bank https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oslo_I_Accord https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oslo_II_Accord https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_Palestinian_legislative_election https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_Gaza_cross-border_raid https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilad_Shalit_prisoner_exchange https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Hamas-led_attack_on_Israel https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel%E2%80%93Hamas_war_hostage_crisis https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Central_Kitchen_drone_strikes https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaza_Strip_famine

It's part 2 of episode 12, and we do a deep dive into an incident that happened at an event called the "Stronger Men's Christian Conference." The event was criticized by a pastor, who was then kicked out. We also discuss masculinity, LGBTQ+ issues, and Chuck Norris riding on a tank crushing cars. Sources used in this episode: The main one discussed: https://baptistnews.com/article/what-happened-when-mark-driscoll-and-josh-howerton-showed-up-at-the-stronger-mens-conference-this-weekend/ Other articles on the incident: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/04/15/pastor-mark-driscoll-kicked-off-state-christian-conference/73331462007/ https://www.christianpost.com/news/pastor-john-lindell-says-mark-driscoll-tried-to-divide-his-church.html

We're back with a three-part episode 12, releasing weekly. In this part, we cover a few fun stories, with deeper conversations on more personal topics in the next two parts to come. First in part 1, we do a quick follow-up to an early segment we did on our show about the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine a year ago, and their agreed settlement. Then it's a discussion on a proposed Rhode Island law to require in-person checkout options at stores. Next, we dive into a study showing video game players are sticking with older video games over new ones. Finally, we catch up with each other and see how things have been going. Sources used in this episode: East Palestine Train Derailment: https://abcnews.go.com/US/norfolk-southern-agrees-600-million-settlement-east-palestine/story?id=109034578 Rhode Island Self-Checkouts: https://progressivegrocer.com/rhode-island-wants-limit-self-checkouts-grocery-stores Older Video Games Getting More Playtime: https://kotaku.com/old-games-2023-playtime-data-fortnite-roblox-minecraft-1851382474

It's our final segment of episode 11, and we dive deep into El Salvador and its crackdown on gangs and criminals. They massively reduced their crime rate through mass incarceration, but is this the best solution for fighting crime, or only the opening move of an authoritarian power grab? Sources used in this episode: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/el-salvador-says-murders-fell-70-2023-it-cracked-down-gangs-2024-01-03/ https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/violent-crime-rates-by-country https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/safest-countries-in-the-world https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_incarceration_rate

It's episode 11 part 3, and we get serious with a discussion on the ongoing fentanyl crisis. Oregon declared a state of emergency after legalizing drug possession, and we dig into what we think the approach should be when it comes to drug addiction. After that, we catch up on how our lives have been and what we've been up to. Sources used in this episode: https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/31/us/fentanyl-crisis-portland-state-of-emergency/index.html https://www.npr.org/2023/12/28/1220881380/overdose-fentanyl-drugs-addiction https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-68101263

We're back with Episode 11 Part 2. We each brought a story we thought was hugely important that the other was apathetic about. It goes great. First, we discuss the finding that last year more people who became billionaires did so through inheritance than through earnings. Next, we dive into an abuse scandal that rocked the Charismatic Christian movement. Sources used in this episode: New Billionaires: https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2023/11/30/new-billionaires-inherited-more-than-they-earned-last-year-ubs-report-says/?sh=20741afe3d68 Charismatic Christianity: https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2023/december/mike-bickle-ihop-statement-moral-failing-abuse-allegations.html

We're back with a new format! The Sam and Derik Show is going weekly! How you may ask? I wouldn't ask that. But since you did, we've split our episodes into 4 weekly easily consumable parts. The nutrition value of which has not been certified. Join us for Episode 11 Part 1 of 4 in which we bring you updates on a couple of stories we previously covered, the ongoing saga of the mythical Yakutat Alpacas, and the hotly debated future of Telephone Hill. Plus, we get serious in our opposition to a new rule banning federal electronic road signs from being humorous. Finally, we dig into a proposal to allow gambling on the Alaska Marine Highway. All that and there's plenty more to come in our exciting, new, and highly experimental weekly format. Sources used in this episode: Yakutat Alpacas: https://alaskabeacon.com/briefs/mythical-animal-costs-denali-area-clothing-shop-53000-in-fines/?emci=faf48d8e-9bc4-ee11-b660-002248223197&emdi=19f79468-00c5-ee11-b660-002248223197&ceid=148052 Telephone Hill: https://www.ktoo.org/2024/02/13/city-proceeds-with-telephone-hill-plan-that-would-demolish-houses-add-apartments/ Humorous Street Sign Ban: https://apnews.com/article/ban-humorous-messages-electronic-highway-signs-3c7b0d11475d2b255f7edd197af771cc Gambling on Ferries: https://alaskabeacon.com/2024/01/29/proposal-to-put-slot-machines-aboard-alaska-ferries-gets-rough-first-reception/?emci=5c9c9f13-d6bc-ee11-b660-002248223197&emdi=8487ea15-b7be-ee11-b660-002248223197&ceid=148052

We're back after an extended break! And they didn't change the locks to the recording booth on us. We keep things light and fun in this episode with a variety of mostly local stories we felt deserved more attention. We've got an update on the local APC owned by the Juneau police, discuss some prime downtown real estate under consideration for development, and how expensive even a destroyed house in Juneau can be. Dispensaries can now give out free weed samples, and we gossip about the budding friendship between Senators Murkowski and Romney and Mitt's inability to cook salmon. Our big stories this week were a small tweak to a law that allows for distilleries in Alaska to stay open one hour later, and our top 10 favorites from the Biden administration's 10 new proposed AI regulations. Plus we catch up with each other on what we've been up to and the proper technique for launching fireworks. Resources used in this episode: JPD Use of their APC: https://www.ktoo.org/2023/12/22/juneau-man-faces-10-charges-after-downtown-standoff/ Proposals for Telephone Hill: https://www.ktoo.org/2023/10/13/designers-share-proposals-for-telephone-hill-redevelopment-with-one-including-existing-homes/ Destroyed House for Sale: https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/4409-Riverside-Dr-Juneau-AK-99801/230756011_zpid/ Free Weed Samples: https://alaskapublic.org/2023/09/25/alaska-relaxes-rules-for-marijuana-ads-allows-free-samples/ The Bar Wars (Including a few older articles): https://www.ktoo.org/2024/01/04/its-8-oclock-somewhere-alaska-breweries-get-an-extra-hour-to-pour-beer/ https://www.adn.com/business-economy/2023/12/27/major-changes-to-alaskas-alcohol-industry-are-coming-on-jan-1/ https://www.adn.com/business-economy/2019/09/01/bar-wars-proposal-to-limit-activities-in-alaska-breweries-and-distilleries-is-the-latest-twist-in-a-long-regulatory-evolution/ https://www.juneauempire.com/opinion/2018-02-27/are-distilleries-de-facto-bars/ Mitt Romney Salmon Bake: https://news.yahoo.com/mitt-romney-roasted-bizarre-way-145149104.html https://www.businessinsider.com/lisa-murkowski-mitt-romney-salmon-ketchup-romney-reckoning-2023-9#:~:text=Lisa%20Murkowski%20of%20Alaska%20has,%22smothered%20it'%20in%20ketchup. Whitehouse AI Regulations: https://mashable.com/article/white-house-drops-ai-regulation-bombshell https://gizmodo.com/biden-ai-eo-executive-order-artificial-intelligence-1850973376?utm_source=vip https://gizmodo.com/president-biden-ai-alarm-mission-impossible-tom-cruise-1850980716?utm_source=vip

We do deep dives into three topics in this episode. First up, the proposed Kroger Albertsons supermarket chain merger would leave us with fewer local options. We debate what that does to the economy and if it's the role of government to step in. Next, we review a survey done on Christian 'cornerstone beliefs' of American children and how many are rejecting the core tenets of the religion. Finally, we discuss the rise in single-parent households, the factors that lead to it, and the effects it's having on society. All that and we catch up on our lives and recent travels. Resources used in this episode: Kroger-Albertsons Merger: https://alaskabeacon.com/briefs/two-dozen-alaska-legislators-join-opposition-to-kroger-albertsons-merger-plans/?emci=e9c57795-ee63-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&emdi=19153ea7-5064-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&ceid=148052 Survey on Adolescents Biblical Worldviews: https://www.christianpost.com/news/most-kids-dont-believe-cornerstone-beliefs-of-biblical-worldview.html The Rise of Single-Parent Households: https://www.npr.org/2023/10/22/1207322878/single-parent-married-good-for-children-inequality

We get into several deep discussions on a wide range of topics in this episode! We start with an update on the bill to ban PFAS in Alaska, then move on to a proposal to ban cashless businesses in LA. We discuss Massachuesett's new law that taxes millionaires to fund school lunches. Then it's all things Alaska ballot measures. A rejected measure would have ensured open primaries if the current voting system is ever repealed. The next reinstates campaign finance limits, and another would raise the minimum wage and ensure some worker protections. Also, a group trying to get a ballot measure to repeal ranked choice voting got caught starting a church to get around taxes on donations. Then we discuss the proposed new city hall in Juneau, and we actually agree about it. We catch up on each other's lives and check in on what we've both been up to. Finally, we talk about the New Mexican governor's attempt to ban guns and have another classic Sam and Derik Show gun debate. Sources used in this episode: Veto on PFAS ban: https://alaskabeacon.com/2023/08/29/alaska-governor-vetoes-statewide-ban-on-pollution-causing-firefighting-foam/ Proposed ban on cashless businesses: https://sherwoodmedia.com/snacks/la-is-considering-a-ban-on-cashless-businesses-as-the-plastic-shift-leaves/ Massachusetts school lunch program: https://www.npr.org/2023/08/18/1194424563/free-school-lunch-massachusetts?utm_medium=social&utm_source=threads.net&utm_term=nprnews&utm_campaign=npr Alaska ballot measures: https://alaskabeacon.com/2023/09/06/two-more-alaska-ballot-measures-pass-legal-muster-but-another-is-disqualified/?emci=4eebeda5-654c-ee11-a3f1-00224832eb73&emdi=99fa88ad-bd4c-ee11-a3f1-00224832eb73&ceid=148052 https://www.adn.com/politics/2023/09/12/state-watchdog-finds-ballot-group-violated-alaska-laws-in-effort-to-repeal-ranked-choice-voting/?s=09 New city hall for Juneau: https://www.juneauempire.com/news/ballot-proposition-1-27-million-in-bond-debt-for-a-new-city-hall/ https://juneau.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2023-CBJ-Sample-Ballot-Final.pdf https://www.juneauempire.com/opinion/my-turn-the-new-city-hall-is-my-responsibility/ New Mexico gun ban attempt: https://apnews.com/article/guns-open-carry-albuquerque-new-mexico-governor-b2f400c1e43ed6e3fcc8f4d6f1403d12

We discuss all things Alaska! We cover a few news stories you might have missed from our home state, starting with a new electric vehicle called an "Alaska." Next, our local police department bought an armored vehicle, what does that mean for the rest of us? A nonprofit is trying to do a music census of the state. We try to figure out the impact of music, economically that is. A gift shop gets in trouble for trying to sell "Yakutat Alpaca" products and products from nonexistent native groups. Then Derik's basement gets flooded, and it makes national news. Pete Buttigieg visits the state and promotes infrastructure. We catch up with each other for a bit, some of us have more exciting life updates than others. China and Russia do joint military patrols near Alaska. Finally, we discuss Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski's interns accomplishment of taking a selfie with all 100 US senators. Sources used in this episode: Alaska EV: https://gizmodo.com.au/2023/08/the-fisker-alaska-ev-features-the-worlds-biggest-cup-holder/ JPD Armored Vehicle: https://www.juneauempire.com/news/police-departments-new-347k-armored-vehicle-arrived-in-march/ AK Music Census: https://alaskabeacon.com/briefs/music-census-aims-to-count-alaskas-musicians-and-measure-their-impact/?emci=3ef8e4d2-6740-ee11-a3f1-00224832eb73&emdi=cca6962c-f440-ee11-a3f1-00224832eb73&ceid=148052 Gift Shop Selling Yakutat Alpaca: https://alaskabeacon.com/briefs/alaska-accuses-souvenir-store-of-selling-fake-native-art-and-products-from-yakutat-alpacas/?emci=304526f7-572b-ee11-b8f0-00224832eb73&emdi=e08355bc-bc2b-ee11-b8f0-00224832eb73&ceid=148052 Mendenhall Flooding: https://abcnews.go.com/US/glacial-break-causes-major-flooding-alaska-destroys-structures/story?id=102056193 https://www.ktoo.org/2018/06/04/little-slice-of-heaven-juneau-subdivision-threatened-by-river-erosion/https://www.juneauempire.com/news/governor-issues-state-disaster-declaration-for-suicide-basin-flood/https://juneau.org/newsroom-item/state-of-alaska-individual-assistance-open-for-mendenhall-river-flood-event?s=09https://www.juneauempire.com/news/disaster-assistance-center-opens-at-mendenhall-library-for-suicide-basin-flood-victims/https://www.juneauempire.com/news/fema-officials-arrive-in-juneau-to-assess-flood-damage/ Secretary of Transportation Visits Alaska: https://www.juneauempire.com/news/u-s-transportation-secretary-pete-buttigieg-to-arrive-in-juneau-next-week/https://alaskapublic.org/2023/08/08/buttigieg-announces-alaska-trip-next-week/ https://alaskabeacon.com/2023/08/15/on-alaska-tour-buttigieg-encounters-extreme-conditions-and-touts-federal-investments/ https://alaskabeacon.com/2023/08/16/transportation-secretary-pete-buttigieg-ends-alaska-visit-with-emphasis-on-ferries/ https://alaskabeacon.com/briefs/u-s-dot-labels-many-alaska-barge-routes-as-federal-marine-highway/?emci=d22dad79-5e3d-ee11-a3f1-00224832eb73&emdi=8b465489-cf3d-ee11-a3f1-00224832eb73&ceid=148052 https://alaskabeacon.com/briefs/infrastructure-law-supported-by-alaska-delegation-in-turn-brings-big-payout-to-the-state/?emci=d9747d9f-5d41-ee11-a3f1-00224832eb73&emdi=9f233558-bd41-ee11-a3f1-00224832eb73&ceid=148052 https://alaskabeacon.com/briefs/u-s-attorney-general-vows-continued-support-to-address-rural-alaska-public-safety/ China and Russia Joint Patrol: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/russian-chinese-ships-patrolled-alaska-threat-us-officials/story?id=102058344 https://thehill.com/policy/defense/4151560-russian-military-planes-detected-and-tracked-in-alaska-air-defense-zone/ https://www.19fortyfive.com/2023/08/china-freaked-air-force-launched-24-f-22-stealth-fighters-in-massive-raptor-walk/ Intern Selfies: https://www.npr.org/2023/08/16/1192818855/senate-politics-selfie-interns

We're back in the recording booth with a range of topics this week, and strangely, we agreed on some? The Alaska Governor vetoed a bill defining Ebikes and we discuss if that was the right call. The mayor of Anchorage suggests buying unhoused people plane tickets out of town and we give our takes. Next, we talk about the country song everyone's been debating, "Try That In a Small Town." We try out a new segment on discussing the state of the Republican presidential primaries. Then we discuss a proposal by Democrats to curb investors buying up too many houses. Finally, we debate the inheritance tax. We also catch up with each other, so stay tuned for everything from parenting to Shakespeare! Sources used in this episode: Ebikes: https://alaskabeacon.com/2023/07/24/dunleavy-nixes-alaska-e-bike-bill-with-rare-veto-as-sponsor-says-she-will-seek-override/?emci=a23da386-932a-ee11-a9bb-00224832e1ba&emdi=4ceeb48e-f32a-ee11-b8f0-00224832eb73&ceid=148052 Homeless on a Plane: https://apnews.com/article/anchorage-alaska-homeless-plane-ticket-7e0d5a58d37318623282d8e093eec54fhttps://www.reddit.com/r/anchorage/comments/158vzsu/mayor_bronson_proposes_buying_airline_tickets_for/ Mediocre Country Song: https://www.npr.org/2023/07/20/1188966935/jason-aldean-try-that-in-a-small-town-song-videohttps://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/tiktoker-debunked-jason-aldeans-try-small-town-video-receives-racist-h-rcna95996https://www.reddit.com/r/news/comments/158rrbm/tiktoker_who_debunked_jason_aldeans_try_that_in_a/ Primaries Updates: https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/polls/president-primary-r/2024/national/ House Buying Restrictions:https://thehill.com/business/4091602-senate-democrats-take-aim-at-investor-home-purchases/ https://www.reddit.com/r/politics/comments/14xw7r3/senate_democrats_take_aim_at_investor_home/ https://alaskabeacon.com/2023/07/25/housing-is-a-human-right-we-need-to-recognize-it/ Inheritance Taxes: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/pay-inheritance-tax-130012245.htmlhttps://www.fool.com/research/estate-inheritance-taxes/https://www.cbpp.org/research/federal-tax/ten-facts-you-should-know-about-the-federal-estate-tax#:~:text=Much%20of%20the%20money%20that,would%20otherwise%20go%20completely%20untaxed.

We do a deep dive into the Supreme Court, and it's our best episode ever. And by best, we mean longest. But first, Wisconsin's governor gets creative with a line-item veto to increase education funding for the next 400 years. Angoon Students launch a war canoe for the first time since 1882 (A note about an event mentioned in the discussion, the burning of the native village in Juneau happened in 1962, not the "20s or 30s"). Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro is banned from running for office again by the Brazillian court for the next 8 years due to lying about the election. We also catch up about our lives and even have a brief discussion on women's classic literature. Then we get into all the recent rulings by the Supreme Court, and possible changes that could be made to the court. The rulings we discuss include allowing a website designer to discriminate against LGBTQ people, ending affirmative action, striking down gun restrictions, and forcing student debt repayment. Then we discuss the ongoing corruption allegations and suggested reforms that would make the court less polarized. Sources used in this episode: Wisconson Line Item Veto: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2023/07/05/400-years-of-education-funding-for-wisconsin-schools/70385428007/https://www.reddit.com/r/politics/comments/14rssu5/wisconsin_governor_gets_creative_with_veto/ Angoon Canoe: https://alaskabeacon.com/2023/06/24/angoon-students-name-launch-first-dugout-canoe-since-1882-bombardment/?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=515fec92-e43a-4d4a-abf2-8c8254dcc327https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_Indian_Village#:~:text=The%20village%20was%20on%20Douglas,way%20for%20the%20Douglas%20Harbor.https://www.juneauempire.com/opinion/opinion-remembering-the-burning-of-the-douglas-indian-village/ Bosonaro Election Ban: https://www.reddit.com/r/worldnews/comments/14n44o9/eightyear_election_ban_for_brazils_bolsonaro/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-66070923 SCOTUS on Gay Rights: https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/30/politics/supreme-court-303-creative-lgbtq-rights-colorado/index.htmlhttps://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-gay-rights-lgbtq-website-9c058addfdd581ce0ead81eb59660130https://www.npr.org/2023/06/30/1182121291/colorado-supreme-court-same-sex-marriage-decisionhttps://thehill.com/opinion/judiciary/4086495-the-roberts-court-twisted-the-first-amendment-into-a-tool-of-discrimination/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/06/30/us/gay-rights-free-speech-supreme-court#gay-rights-supreme-court-decisionhttps://newrepublic.com/article/174135/supreme-court-religious-freedom-resegregation SCOTUS on Affirmative Action: https://www.washingtonpost.com/documents/4ff078d7-f01b-4533-8edc-5a894fc82cde.pdf?itid=lk_inline_manual_3https://www.npr.org/2023/06/29/1176715957/why-the-supreme-court-decision-on-affirmative-action-mattershttps://www.mlive.com/news/2022/10/um-michigans-natural-experiment-in-race-neutral-admission-hasnt-worked.htmlhttps://theintercept.com/2023/06/29/supreme-court-affirmative-action-military-academy/https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/07/freedmen-race-neutral-supreme-court-affirmative-action-clarence-thomas/674641/https://www.businessinsider.com/us-systemic-racism-in-charts-graphs-data-2020-6#roughly-half-of-those-fatally-shot-by-police-are-white-but-black-americans-are-fatally-shot-at-a-disproportionate-rate-compared-to-their-representation-in-the-us-population-25https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redlining SCOTUS Corruption and Reforms: https://www.commondreams.org/news/supreme-court-term-limitshttps://www.supremecourt.gov/about/circuitassignments.aspxhttps://www.reddit.com/r/politics/comments/14nw266/cesspool_of_corruption_dems_reintroduce_bill_to/https://www.npr.org/2023/06/28/1183337280/supreme-court-ethics-financial-disclosures-possible-conflicts-of-interest